September 9, 2021

Meijer's Rivertown Market Jefferson in Detroit gets opening date

Meijer announced on Thursday its Rivertown Market store is expected to open on Oct. 6.

The store is located at 1475 E. Jefferson, about a mile east of downtown. Construction began nearly a year ago. The project was announced in 2017.

Rivertown Market is the Grand Rapids-based retailer's fourth smaller-format store and second in metro Detroit.

The concept of Meijer's small-format stores is to have a neighborhood grocer appeal and vibe.

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Marcus Reliford, the store's manager, said the 42,000-square-foot market will bring a "mix of local, fresh food and value to customers in the region."

Rivertown Market, in line with the other small-format stores, will focus heavily on stocking shelves with local products. An estimated 2,000 local artisan items are expected, according to Meijer.

The store will also feature fresh food and produce, groceries and national brands at low prices compared to its larger stores.

Local items include Pizzaman Pizza, Bon Bon Bon confections, MexiBake Bakery, Crystal, Eikcaj Skincare, and Crown of a Woman.

There will be a Great Lakes coffee shop specializing in nitro brews, and an extensive beer, wine and liquor counter.

Expect an open, airy feel to Rivertown Market with its 23-foot ceilings and three garage-style doors that open to outdoor fresh produce and floral areas in warmer months.

Meijer commissioned local artists Desiree Kelly and Cameron Jenkins to each paint a mural on the Jefferson and Larned side of Rivertown Market.

Here's what to expect at Rivertown Market:

  • Flower shop, featuring local Avanti Greeting Cards
  • Expansive 4,700-square-foot produce department complete with a 52-foot wet wall
  • Fresh and prepared foods, including bakery items, fresh meat and deli offerings
  • An expansive alcohol assortment, featuring a 14-foot-tall liquor wall with rolling ladder
  • Basic cleaning items and health and beauty care products from local Black-women-owned businesses

Reliford, a Detroit native, joined Meijer in September 2020 with 15 years of retail experience.

“I grew up in this town and am very proud to be back with a great team in place to ensure Rivertown Market provides a unique shopping experience to customers in the city of Detroit,” Reliford said in announcing the opening date. “We are excited to open our doors, be a good neighbor and work every day to have the best products on our shelves.”

Meijer's three other smaller-format stores are Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids, Woodward Corner Market in Royal Oak, and Capital City Market in downtown Lansing.

Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Sue Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: 313-222-6872 or sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

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